Author: Grace Li
In this Student Spotlight Series installment, we are so excited to speak with Sailee Raja, the founder of Project Safe Ride. Project Safe Ride is an initiative focused on preventing deaths in hot cars through an app that they created that sends reminders to check their vehicles after parking.
Q1. Can you introduce Project Safe Ride and your mission?
Project Safe Ride is a community-driven initiative focused on preventing hot car deaths involving children and pets. Our mission is to raise awareness about how quickly vehicles can become dangerous and to provide simple, accessible tools that help people remember to check their cars before walking away. Ultimately, Project Safe Ride is about turning awareness into action and saving lives through education and technology.
Q2. What prompted you to found Project Safe Ride, and how does the app work?
I was prompted to start Project Safe Ride after learning how common and preventable hot car incidents are, especially during warmer months. Many of these tragedies happen not because of neglect, but because of distractions in everyday routines. That realization motivated me to take action.
The app sends timely reminders for users to check their vehicles after parking, helping reduce the risk of children or pets being accidentally left behind. By combining simple technology with a critical public safety message, the app aims to raise awareness and provide an accessible, preventative solution to an often-overlooked issue.
Q3. How do you blend software development with helping others in the context of vehicular heat strokes?
I see software development as a powerful tool for social impact. By combining technology with public safety education, I’m able to address a real-world problem in a modern, scalable way. The Project Safe Ride app is free and designed to be simple and practical. It provides timely reminders and alerts to encourage users to double-check their vehicles before locking them, helping prevent children or pets from being accidentally left behind. The app transforms awareness into a habit, using technology to support human memory and responsibility, especially during busy or stressful moments.
Q4. How can others help Project Safe Ride’s mission?
There are many ways people can support Project Safe Ride. Sharing our message on social media, downloading and using the app, signing our petition, and attending or supporting our community events all make a difference. Even something as simple as reminding friends and family to always check their cars helps spread awareness and brings us one step closer to preventing these tragedies.
Thank you so much to Project Safe Ride for joining us in this interview! Please check out their work here: linktr.ee/projectsaferide
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